Profile
Shane Foster is a shareholder with deep financial regulatory experience in areas such as banking, money transmission, lending, and fintech, among others. Serving in a high-level capacity as Chief Deputy Director at the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI), he oversaw the agency’s enforcement, depository, non-depository, consumer affairs, and insurance market conduct divisions.
As a former regulator, Shane has a thorough understanding of regulatory issues affecting the financial services sector and has deep experience in licensing, compliance, investigatory, and enforcement matters. From advising on chartering de novo depository institutions, merger activity, solvency and deposit insurance issues, to ensuring compliance with consumer protection and safety and soundness regulations, he provides financial institutions with insights to navigate complex issues. Additionally, his experience encompasses various consumer finance segments such as mortgage, vehicle title, and unsecured lending. Shane also led the efforts in drafting and implementing Arizona’s money transmission law (i.e., CSBS Model Money Transmission Modernization Act), which substantive provisions can be found in many states throughout the country.
Shane’s practice extends to the use of new technologies and innovation in the financial services sector. He served a prominent role in the administration of the nation’s first state regulatory sandbox, bolstering his deep understanding of the use of novel products and services in the ever evolving fintech sector (e.g., blockchain technology, digital payments, APIs, artificial intelligence, and mobile applications, among others). Shane also stays at the forefront of law and policy developments regarding digital assets. Whether dealing with transmission and custody issues or monitoring recent guidelines by federal agencies concerning crypto-related activities and stablecoins, Shane stays abreast of developments to advise clients on innovative legal strategies.
Shane has worked closely with state regulators through active involvement in the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), serving as a key participant in numerous multistate initiatives, including serving on the coordinating committee with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and on data privacy working groups, among others. Simultaneously, his background in government relations has given him many opportunities to interface with various federal agencies and draft comments on proposed federal policies.
Shane Foster is a sought-after speaker on a variety of topics concerning financial regulation, having spoken on numerous panels at industry and government-related events.
Concentrations
- Federal and state regulation of banks, credit unions, money transmission and other financial services
- Consumer finance – mortgage, vehicle title, and unsecured lending
- Alternative lending products
- Fintech
- Crypto/digital assets and blockchain
- Multistate supervision and enforcement
- Government investigations
Capabilities
Experience
- Represented a State in UDAP claims against a multistate consumer loan servicer.°
- Represented a State in UDAP claims against a multinational automobile group.°
- Represented a State in UDAP claims against two national electronic cigarette companies.°
°The above representations were handled by Mr. Foster prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
- Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI), 2020-2024
- Chief Deputy Director, 2023-2024
- Deputy Director of Financial Institutions, 2020-2024
- Acting Director, 2023
- The Arizona Attorney General’s Office, 2015-2020
- Senior Litigation Counsel/Fintech Sandbox Counsel, 2018-2020
- Assistant Attorney General, 2015-2018
Recognition & Leadership
- Member, Conference of State Bank Supervisors State Coordinating Committee, 2023-2024
- Member, Arizona Board of Investment, 2023
- Member, National Association of Insurance Commissioners Privacy Protections Working Group, 2022
- Member, National Association of Attorneys General Privacy Working Group, 2020
Credentials
- J.D., Cornell Law School
- B.A., Brigham Young University
- Arizona
- New York